Can you legally sell food from home in Alabama?
An Informative Guide with Frequently Asked Questions to the Alabama Cottage Food Law
Many would-be company owners find that starting a food business from their homes is an enticing option. This is made possible under the Alabama Cottage Food Law. In this piece, we'll go down the specifics of this statute and answer some of the most often asked concerns about starting and running a cottage food company in the state of Alabama.
Cottage Food Law in Alabama: What You Need to Know
The Cottage Food Law in the state of Alabama permits the making and selling of certain food items prepared in private homes. Its goal is to help aspiring company owners by clearing the way for them to start up low-risk, at-home operations without endangering the general populace.
Can you legally sell food from home in Alabama?
Methods of Application
Alabama is one of the few states that does not need a permission or license to begin a cottage food business. However, you'll need to take and post proof of an Alabama Department of Public Health-approved food safety class before setting up shop.
Permitted Items
Alabama's Cottage Food Law allows for the production of non-hazardous foods such as baked products, confections, dried herbs, preserved fruits and vegetables, jams, jellies, and the like. Keep in mind that perishables and perishable things that need refrigeration are not permitted.
Curbing of Sales
Cottage food items are restricted by law to being sold solely inside the state of Alabama, and exclusively to the end user. As a result, it is legal to sell in flea markets, roadside booths, and even online (as long as the products are delivered by hand within the state). You can't transport your goods out of state, sell wholesale, or consign.
Additionally, there is a yearly gross sales cap in place, which is presently set at $20,000. When this threshold is reached, the business must transition to commercial status.
Can you legally sell food from home in Alabama?
Requirements for Labeling
Labeling requirements vary depending on the kind of goods being sold in Alabama. Include the business's name and location, the name of the product, a list of components, the date it was created, and a declaration that it was prepared in a private residence.
Questions & Answers
Under the Alabama Cottage Food Law, do I need a business license to run my operation?
To run a successful company, a license or permission is not required.
Can I take my homemade foods to other states to sell?
Unfortunately, sales are not open to locations outside of Alabama.
Can I sell the foods I make in my cottage to stores?
No, you are restricted to dealing only with end-users.
Can I use the Internet to market my cottage cuisine items?
As long as the goods are delivered by hand inside the state of Alabama, then yes.
Can I use the cottage food legislation to make potentially dangerous meals like cream-filled pastries?
In contrast, only foods that pose no health risks are permitted.
Is there a limit on how much money I can make with my homemade food business? Can you legally sell food from home in Alabama?
Yes, the current maximum for yearly gross sales is 20,000 dollars.
I was wondering whether there were any guidelines for labeling cottage food items.
Your company name, the name of the product, the ingredients, and a declaration that it was manufactured in a home kitchen must all appear on the label.
Can I establish a cottage food business without taking a food safety class?
Cottage food businesses in Alabama must meet the requirements of the state's Department of Public Health, which includes taking a course on food safety.
Can I run a cottage restaurant and hire help?
The business must be conducted out of a private residence, but the legislation makes no mention of employee requirements.
Can I run my home-cooked food business using an outside grill, pizza oven, or rotisserie?
The kitchen at home is the only acceptable location for food preparation.
Can I bake a rum cake or beer bread using alcoholic ingredients?
As long as the alcohol evaporates while baking and the end result is safe, then yes.
Under the Alabama Cottage Food Law, are I able to make and sell pet treats?
Dog and cat food are not considered "cottage foods" in Alabama.
Does my certificate of completing a food safety course expire?
There is currently no termination date specified in the statute.
Do I have to file taxes for my home cooking business?
Like any other company, you must pay taxes on your profits.
Using social media to promote my cottage food business: yes or no?
As long as both the purchase and delivery take place inside Alabama, then yes.
Under the Alabama Cottage Food Law, is I able to sell my handmade pickles?
Pickles are not permitted due of their potential for harm.
Can I prepare items that cater to certain diets, such as those that are sugar-free, gluten-free, or vegan?
As long as they aren't dangerous and don't break any other rules, then yes.
Do my goods need to be packaged in a certain way?
There are no packaging specifications under the legislation, however all labels must be legible.
Can I have more than one home-based food business?
There is no hard limit on the number of businesses that may be run out of a single residence under the legislation.
May I bring my wares to a flea market to sell?
Farmers' markets, roadside stalls, and flea markets are all acceptable places to sell directly to customers.
Now that you know the ins and outs of running a food company out of your house in Alabama and have the answers to some frequently asked questions, you can get started! Keep in mind that running a successful cottage food business is rewarding not simply because of the money it brings in, but also because of the opportunities it provides for personal growth and community building. Have fun in the kitchen!